Why South Texas is the Best Place for Business

South Texas business is booming. New developments like restaurants and retail spaces are sprouting across the Rio Grande Valley. With so much growth, the Valley has surpassed El Paso, Killeen-Temple and Beaumont in being ranked as the fifth largest metropolitan statistical area in Texas. Serving as a tourist mecca with a robust workforce and strong retail economy, it’s no wonder much of the Rio Grande Valley has caught the eye of expanding, relocating and start-up businesses.

International Trading

Global shipping and distribution trends make the Rio Grande Valley an ideal location because of its distance to markets and available routes to international trading hubs. This direct access is beneficial for both sides of the border, easing distribution and costs while increasing a diverse labor force to accommodate your business or distribution company.

With some of Mexico’s largest cities near South Texas, businesses have a supplementary market encompassing 1.7 million people across Mexico. Over nine ports of entry are available in the area as well. Along with land ports, businesses also have four prime public and commercial airports, four seaports and railroad accessibility.

A Shopping Mecca

In 2016, one of the Valley’s largest shopping destinations, La Plaza Mall, revealed plans to add fifty stores, four junior anchor stores and six restaurants. A new 245,000 additional sq. ft. shopping experience will be added to its current 1.2 million sq. ft. size. The Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley is also expanding to one million sq. ft., bringing Bob’s Steak & Chop House, clothing retailer A’GACI and much more.

There are also two new developments that will encompass numerous retail opportunities. Tres Lagos will serve as a residential area made up of 1.5 million sq. ft. of commercial and retail space. La Resaca Market is another planned community that will encompass 500,000 sq. ft. of retail and entertainment opportunities with restaurants, a hotel, shopping varieties and more!

Educational Opportunities

Higher educational opportunities are not only plentiful in the Rio Grande Valley, they’re also expanding. From technical schools to a university and school of medicine, there are resources for everyone to continue their education and further add the Valley’s strong workforce. These include:

Two more exciting educational opportunities are also coming to the RGV. Texas A&M has signed an agreement to open a satellite campus to provide more options for education. The other is a new state-of-the-art educational and training Public Safety Complex. This will provide education for current law enforcement and public safety officers for the entire RGV. This not only benefits residents and visitors, but also allows for businesses to expand, relocate and emerge in the RGV.

A Strong Workforce

In combination with vibrant educational opportunities, South Texas is a great place for businesses looking for a strong educated workforce demographic. With a median age of 29 years and a robust population of young and college- or technically-skilled people, businesses can select the best and brightest for their success. Some of the top workforce industries in South Texas are:

Retail trade

Construction

Educational services

Accommodation and food services

Transportation and warehousing

Public administration

Health care and social assistance

Incentives to Assist Your Business

The Alamo Economic Development Corporation (EDC) knows that South Texas is the place for businesses to succeed, which is why we offer several incentives to help your business relocate, expand or start right here in Alamo. Through tailored programs created and managed with the sole purpose of fostering economic development, we assist the city by drawing private and public investments.

Some available incentives for qualifying businesses include:

Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ)

The USDA-Rural Development: Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)

The Local Business Retention Program

The USDA-Rural Development: Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG)

Grants to New and Existing Businesses

Success for Your Business

There’s a reason why South Texas has caught the eye of so many businesses. International proximity, educational opportunities, a young and skilled workforce and a strong retail economy have grown South Texas into what it is today. Come see for yourself why South Texas is the best place for your business.